Enclosure for electrical apparatus and systems



, Sept. 5, 1967 w. L. PROBERT 3,340,441

ENCLOSURE FOR ELECTRICAL APPARATU AND SYSTEMS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledJuly 10, 1964 INVENTOR.

mum L PROBE?! BY flfforn .r

Sept. 5, 1967 w. L. PROBERT ENCLOSURE FOR ELECTRICAL APPARATUS ANDSYSTEMS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 10, 1964 I r'\ 'INVENTOR. WALTER LPROBERT Sept. 5, 1967 w. L. PROBERT 3,340,441 ENCLOSURE FOR ELECTRICALAPPARATUS AND SYSTEMS Filed July 10, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet .S

INVENTOR.

MLTER L PROBERT BY- 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 (/Qn Jrux F Sidhkt.

Jffarzze 5 W. L. PROB ERT ENCLOSURE FOR ELECTRICAL APPARATUS AND SYSTEMSSept. 5, 1967 Filed'July 10, 1964 United States Patent ork Filed July10, 1964, Ser. No. 381,655 15 Claims (Cl. 317-120) ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE An outdoor housing encloses an electrical control system forcontrolling the operation of gasoline dispensing pumps. The housing iscompartmented for the several pumps and includes a main outer dooroverlying a pair of inner separate access or panel doors for the severalpumps. The inner doors include a latch handle for releasing them whichin the released position interferes with a projection on the outer doorand prevents closing and locking of the outer door with the inner doorsreleased. A separate junction box is an integral part of the bottom wallof the enclosure and is divided into a plurality of separatecompartments one of which provides a high voltage lead connection andthe others of which provide individual low voltage or signal connectionsfor each of the products. Further, a heating unit is disposed centrallyof the control assembly to maintain a selected minimum temperaturelevel.

This invention relates to an enclosure for electrical systems employinghigh voltage and low voltage components and particularly to suchenclosures for outdoor mountings.

In control systems, it often becomes necessary to house both highvoltage and relatively low voltage components within a single enclosurewith interconnected wiring. For example, in marketing and inventorycontrol systems for gasoline service stations and the like, the operableinterconnection of the dispensing pumps to the storage unit may becontrolled through an inventory control assembly. Generally, in suchsystems, a power disconnect switching mechanism is adapted to be presetto close a power switch after a predetermined actuation. A coded inputpermits presetting operation of the switching mechanism by the stationoperator who has been given the proper code which is preferablyautomatically changed with each presetting actuation of the mechanism. Asensing circuit includes a signal means at the dispensing pumpsconnected in a low voltage transmitting circuit to drive the switchingmechanism in a reverse direction and towards the disconnect position inresponse to withdrawal or dispensing of the gasoline from the pump.Thus, after a preselected amount or prepurchased amount of the gasolinehas been dispensed, further coded purchases must be made to again presetthe disconnect mechanism if additional gasoline is to be sold. Suchdevices preferably include a safety circuit interconnected with thesensing circuit to provide maximum reliability against accidentalopening of the sensing circuit.

In gasoline dispensing controls and the like, the reliability of thesystem is of substantial importance both from the standpoint ofoperation and also from the standpoint of eliminating the danger ofexplosions. The sensing and safety circuits are low voltage circuits tominimize danger of explosion. However, the control assembly necessarilyincludes power circuits to drive the various mechanisms and tointerconnect the main pump control into the pump power circuit. The highvoltage circuits present a source of dangerous explosion in the presenceof gasoline fumes and the like. Thus, the control assembly is preferably3,340,441 Patented Sept. 5, 1967 remotely located in a non-hazardousarea. This normally requires outdoor mounting of the control assemblieswhere it will be subjected particularly in the northern part of theUnited States and the like.

The outdoor mounting of the control assembly is also particularlydesirable to provide ease of servicing the total system. Thus, the bulkoperator can deliver gasoline to the storage tanks and insert new codecontrol mechanisms such as a control card without the presence of aservice station attendant or owner.

The present invention is particularly directed to an outdoor enclosurefor such a control assembly employing high and low voltage componentsand circuits and which enclosure can be mounted in a remotenon-hazardous area and includes internal constructions to minimize anypossible danger of cross connection between the power supply and thesensing circuit. This latter feature is of substantial practicalimportance in order to positively prevent introduction of high voltagesinto the sensing and safety circuit which would then be transmitted tothe dispensing pumps and create a very serious explosion hazard.Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, suitable meansare provided to maintain proper operation of the circuit with varyingtemperatures. A heating means is provided within the enclosure with athermostatic control to not only maintain the temperature at a minimumlevel but particularly to prevent accumulation of moisture within theenclosure and thereby insure proper operation of the system.

More particularly, in accordance with the present invention, a box-likehousing is provided having an outer door and separate access or paneldoors for the several controls. The access doors to the resettable codeportion are key locked with an interlocking latch mechanism topositively prevent closing of the outer door without closing and lockingof the inner access doors. Within the housing or enclosure, a heatingunit is disposed generally centrally of the unit to maintain thetemperature at a selected minimum level. A low voltage control circuitis provided with a separate mounting terminal system secured within theenclosure and provided with an outer protective cover. The powerconnections or leads are interconnected to the necessary components andmaintained outside of the protective plate to positively preventpossible interconnection through bared wires at the terminal block.Additionally, a separate junction box is provided as an integral part ofthe enclosure preferably secured to the bottom wall of the enclosure.The junction box is divided into a plurality of separate compartmentswhich sepawell as others which will be clear to those skilled in the artfrom the following description.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic simplified view of a service stationinstallation including an inventory control sys: tem;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the enclosure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side elevational view with internal componentsremoved for clarity of illustration;

to inclement weather conditionsv FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of aportion of an enclosure showing a lock handle for an outer door orcover;

FIG. is an enlarged side elevational view more clearly illustrating theintegrated junction box of the present enclosure;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the outdoor enclosure shown inFIGS. 1-5 with the front cover open, with the access door means open,and with the control panels broken away to show inner details ofconstruction;

vFIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view illustratingthe separate code input door and code device door;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 7 to more clearlyshow the latch assemblies for the inner covers shown; and

FIG. 9 is another view of the assemblies.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, a service stationis diagrammatically illustrated including a service station building 1spaced from a plurality of dispensing pumps 2 and 3. Each of thedispensing pumps 2 and 3 is interconnected to dispense a differentproduct and normally more than one pump may be provided for dispensingeach of the products. The interconnection of the several pumps into thecontrol system may be basically the same and consequently theinterconnection of the dispensing pump 2 is hereinafter described indetail with the interconnection of pump 3 similarly described withcorresponding primed numbers.

The dispensing pump 2 is connected to a central or common storage unit 4disposed beneath the ground in spaced relation to the service stationbuilding and the dispensing pump 2. A main power control box 5 ismounted within the service station building 1 and connected to the mainpower distribution panel, not shown, for providing a source of power toa switch unit 6 which is interconnected to provide a main control forthe operation of dispensing pumps 2 and 3. A motor power line conduit 7and nozzle actuated switch conduit 8 extend from the switch unit 6 todispensing pump 2 and are respectively interconnected to actuate a motorpump unit 9. Such systems are well known in the art and consequently nofurther illustration or description thereof is deemed necessary.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a remote inventorycontrol system is incorporated into the power circuit and generallyincludes 'a control system enclosure 10 mounted to the exterior of thebuilding 1 and generally in maximum spaced relation to the dispensingpumps 2 and 3 and the storage tank 4. A main power conduit 11interconnects the system within the enclosure 10 to the switch unit 6. Asensing circuit conduit 12 and a safety circuit conduit 13 interconnectsthe low voltage and intrinsically safe circuit components within theenclosure 10 to the pump 2. The connection at the pump 2 is made througha conventional junction box 14 having a single electrical conduit 15interconnecting the sensing circuit 12 to a transmitter 16. Thetransmitter 16 is actuated through the usual computer section to producepulse signals or the like in accordance with the flow of gasoline fromthe pump 2. Thus, transmitter 16' may include a switch, not shown, toopen and break the sensing circuit 12 and thereby provide a pulsedactuation of a counter mechanism within the control system enclosure 10.This actuates or controls a switch mechanism interconnected through thepower conduit 11 to the switch unit 6 for controlling the powerconnection of the motorpump unit 9.

Generally, the operation of the system is summarized as follows. Thecontrol system enclosure 10 includes a counter 17, shown in FIGS. 2 and7, for actuating the control switch, not shown. The dispensing of thegasoline actuates the transmitter 16 which in turn is interconnectedthrough the sensing circuit 12 to the control system within theenclosure 10 to drive the counter 17 to a null position at whichthe'control switch opens. A suitable coded input means allows selectivepresetting of the counter 17 such that as the service station ownerapproaches the terminal portion of the released gasoline in storage tank4, he can again actuate the control system to release a further 7 amountof gasoline. In this manner, the bulk supplier of gasoline mayarbitrarily fill the tank 4 to a maximum capacity while the servicestation operator can purchase the stored gasoline in smaller incrementsas he desires and necessary.

However, as a result of the severe explosion hazard associated withgasoline and other explosive fluid dispensing systems, it is of primaryimportance both as a matter of practical safety and obtaininggovernmental approval of the system, that all hazards be essentiallyelimi-' nated. In the control systems as heretofore disclosed, thesensing and safety circuits are generally a low voltage circuit havingmeans to provide intrinsic safety such that the danger of explosion evenin the presence of gasoline fumes is practically non-existent. However,in order to maintain such safety levels, the safety and sensing circuits12 and 13 must be isolated from the power conduit 11.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1-3, the illustrated control systemenclosure 10 includes a rectangular metal box or housing 18 havingmounting lugs 19 integrally secured one at each of the back corners forwalls and projecting upwardly and downwardly therefrom with suitablemounting bolts or the like interconnecting the box 18 to the adjacentexterior wall. The side and top walls of the housing 18 are insulated bya suitable layer of thermal insulation 20 secured to the inner surfacesin any suitable manner. A front cover 21 is provided with shallowflanges or sides 22 which telescope over the metal box 18 with arelatively snug fit therebetween to provide a weatherproof enclosure orcovering of the box opening. A suitable sealing gasket 23 is secured tothe inner face of the cover in alignment with the side edges of the K 18to provide a weathertight seal.

A key lock handle 24 is secured to the front bottom portion of the coverand includes an internal locking plate 25 which is adapted to projectdownwardly behind the upstanding leg of an L-shaped latch plate 26secured to the front edge of the bottom wall of the box 18, as shownmost clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4. The key, not shown, for lock handle 24 ispreferably removable only in the lock position of the handle to preventaccidental closure of the door cover 21 without locking thereof. Handle24 thus provides limited access; for example, to the service stationpersonnel and bulk truck drivers who deliver the gasoline. An extensiblelink 27 is connected between the inside of the front cover 21 and arecessed front panel 28 for holding of the main or front cover 21 in anopened position.

Additionally, the front cover 21 is provided with central dimple orconcave portion 29 within which a lamp 30 is mounted by a suitablebracket 31 secured to the inside of cover 21. A dished cover plate 32 issecured to the inside of cover 21 and includes a central glass coveredopening 33 aligned with lamp 30. A power cable 34 extends between thetop of cover 21 and housing 18 to provide power to lamp 30. A dooractuated switch 35 of the push-button type is connected in the circuitto cable 34 and is mounted in panel 28 in alignment with link 27 whichholds the switch open and lamp 30' off. When cover 21 is opened, thelink 27 moves from switch 35 which then closes and lamp 30 is energized.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, the front panel 28 is securedspaced inwardly of the front edge of the metal box or housing 18 andincludes a pair of laterally spaced openings 36 and 37 for controlassemblies for the respective pumps 2 and 3.

A control assembly panel 38 for pump 2 is pivotally secured to the leftedge of the opening 36 by vertically spaced hinges or the like andbolted or releasably secured to the opposite edge. In the illustratedembodiment of the invention, the several internal operating controls areshown in schematic block fashion in FIG. 6 and include power or highvoltage components 39 and sensing or low voltage components 40 such as alow voltage pulsing circuit. One of the high voltage components 39 maybe a transformer to provide a suitable operating voltage for the othercomponents and also a suitable low voltage for components 40. Thecontrol panel 38 includes code input units 41 in the upper portion foractuating the release mechanism and a code card unit 42, as well asother components. The details do not affect the present invention otherthan as the illustrated control panel includes low voltage controlcircuits as well as high voltage operating circuits and no detaileddescription thereof is given.

A lower access door or cover 43 and an upper access door or cover 44 arehingedly mounted adjacent the interior of the housing 18 for selectivepositioning overlying the control panel 38 and in particular the codecard unit 42 and the input units 41. A key lock 45 is provided on theupper access cover 44 to restrict access to the related input units 41to the station operator and other authorized personnel.

The lower access covers 43 and 43' are releasably locked in the closedposition such that the outer cover 21 may not be closed and locked withcovers 43 and 43' released. In the illustrated embodiment, a single keylock 46 releases both covers through an interlock mechanism 47 to permitauthorized access to the code card unit 42 by personnel of the supplier,as shown most clearly in FIGS. 6-9, inclusive. The key lock 46 may be aconventional tumbler variety to be actuated by a specially formed key48, shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, and having the key removable only in thelocked position. An interlock lever 49 is attached to the innermost endof the key lock, as shown most clearly in FIG. 9, for selectivepositioning with respect to mechanism 47. In the full line position, thelever 49 projects upwardly into locking position preventing operation ofmechanism 47. Turning of key 48 rotates lever 49 from the lockingposition to a release position, shown in phantom at right angles to thelocking position.

Mechanism 47 includes a shaft 50 rotatably mounted within the centralportion of panel 28. A latch plate 51 is secured to the outermost endsand extends laterally into latching engagement with both covers 43 and43, as most clearly shown in FIG. 8. Locking brackets 52 and 52' aresecured to the edges of covers 43 and 43 and project laterally inwardlybeneath the plate 51. Covers 43 and 43' can therefore only be opened byturning of plate 51 to a vertically extending position between brackets52 and 52'.

As shown in FIG. 9, an interlock arm 53 is fixed to the inner end ofshaft 50 and projects tangentially there from to one side of lever 49. Abias spring 54 is secured at one end to arm 53 and at the opposite endto an anchor 55 on the back side of panel 28. Spring 54 resilientlydisposes the shaft 50 to locate handle plate 51 in the horizontallocking position and the arm 53 from the vertical locking position oflever 49. With lever 49 in the locking position, rotation of shaft 50 isprevented by interference between arm 53 and lever 49 and doors 43 and43 cannot therefore be opened. Consequently, key lock 46 must be turnedto the unlocked position to position lever 49 in the horizontal positionand thereby permit rotation of the interlock arm 53.

Further, the outer cover 21 cannot be closed, unless the covers 43 and43' are latched closed and the operating key '48 removed. Thus, if theoperator attempts to close cover 21 without closing door 43 or 43', thedoor engages the plate 51 and prevents closing cover 21. Even thoughcovers 43 and 43' are closed, if key 48 is not turned to the lockedposition and removed, it interferes with the closing of cover 21 andthus draws the attention of the operator to his error. The interlockthus prevents accident-a1 free access to the mechanism behind cover 43attachment units or 43 to the station operator who has a key to key lockhandle 24 for access to cover key lock 45 for upper access covers 44.

Thus, the key 48 to the key lock 46 of the lower access covers 43 willnormally be accessible only to the tank truck driver for replacement ofa code means such as a card and the like to be inserted within the codecard unit 42 in the panel 38. The key to lock 45 of the upper accesscover 44 will generally be accessible to the station operator or otherpersonnel authorized to actuate the input controls 41.

An opening 56 in the door 43 provides a visual indication of the dealerbalance as shown by counter 17, as well as a totalizing of the totalgasoline which has been dispensed through the related pumps of thecontrol.

A junction box 57 is welded or integrally secured to the exteriorsurface of the bottom wall of the enclosure 18. The illustrated junctionbox 57, as most clearly shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6, has an L-shapedcross section with a protruding front wall portion. A junction box cover58 has side edges which fit snugly over the front wall portion andincludes top and bottom depending attachment lips 59 and 60 abuttingcorresponding attachment lips or flanges 61 and 62 on the top and bottomof the junction box 57. Bolt and nut units 63 pass through the alignedopenings in the respective lips and flanges to interconnect the cover 58to box 57. A wire and lead seal unit 64 is passed through each of theouter ends of the 63 to detect unauthorized tampering with theconnections within the junction box.

As most clearly shown in FIG. 6, the junction box is provided with apair of laterally spaced dividing walls 65 and 66 defining respectivelya lead compartment 67 for pump 2 for example and all other related pumpsfor dispensing of the corresponding product, a lead compartment 68 forpump 3, and all other related pumps for dispensing of the correspondingproduct, and a right-hand power lead compartment 69 for all pumps. Theparticular arrangement of the compartments can, of course, be variedalthough it is preferred that the power lead compartment be at one endor the other. i

The compartments 67-69 are generally similarly constructed with suitableconduit openings 70 in the bottom or base wall of the junction box 57with the respective conduits 11, 12 and 13 secured thereto. Similarly,knockout lead openings 71 are formed in the lower wall of the housing 18in alignment with each of the compartments with the proper leads passedtherethrough. Within the housing 18 there are three groups of leadslabeled respectively as sensing and safety circuit leads 72 for pumps 2,sensing and safety circuit leads 73 for pumps 3 and power circuit leads74. Leads 72 are connected in circuit within compartment 67, leads 73within com partment 68 and leads 74 within compartment 69.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a safety circuit andsensing circuit terminal block 75 is provided to the left side ofhousing 18 and at which the sensing and safety circuit leads 72 and 73are connected to corresponding leads from certain related controlcomponents 40 and 40' by suitable terminal strip elements 76. Forexample, the flow sensing circuit may include pulse separating modulesemploying signal storage means for separating the several signals fromthe various related pumps and the safety circuit would be interconnectedwith the sensing circuit at the terminal block 75 to open the maincircuit if the sensing circuit is cut, broken or otherwise opened. Theterminal ends of the respective circuit leads72 and 73 are, of course,exposed at the terminal strip elements 76. As such low voltage leads areintrinsically safe, generally there would be no concern in connectionwith the exposure thereof. However, in accordance with the presentinvention, a guard or protective plate 76a is secured overlying theterminal block 75 and is spaced forwardly towards the front of thehousing 18 a short distance to provide a protective covering over theterminal connections. Plate 76a is shown as a U-shaped member secured tohousing 18 by a pair of attachment bolts 77 passing through the plateadjacent the ends and into the back wall, thereby securely mounting theplate 76a overlying the terminal block.

The power leads 74 are connected to the several power components througha similarly protected terminal block 78. The power leads 74 adjacent thesensing and safety lead terminal block 75 are generally disposedforwardly of the plate 76a and thus more positively insure completeseparation of the two circuits to minimize the possible danger ofimpressing a high voltage upon the low voltage sensing and safetycircuit.

Further, as the enclosure is to be exteriorly mounted, the illustratedembodiment of the present invention includes a heating unit 79 securedto the lower or bottom Wall within housing 18 by a suitable rearmounting bracket 80, as shown most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 6. The heatingunit 79 is preferably centrally mounted to distribute the heating effectthroughout the housing 18. The heating unit 79 is connected in circuitthrough the power lead compartment 69 to provide for the high voltageheating desired. A thermostat 81 is mounted adjacent a side wall withinthe housing 18, shown to the right in FIG. 6, to sense the temperatureand control the power connections to heating unit 79. The heating unit79 not only maintains a minimum temperature but serves to preventmoisture accumulation which would adversely affect the operation andlife of the components.

In operation, the automatic inventory control is actuated as previouslysummarized with the station operator actuating the input controls 41 inaccordance with a received code to preset the counter 17 by a selectedincrement for releasing of gasoline from the tank 4. He can check on thebalance at any time by merely opening the main cover 21 which exposesthe dealer balance and the totalizing reading through the window oropening 56 in the lower access cover 43.

When the main storage tanks 4 are filled, the truck driver may replacecode cards in units 42 by opening of cover 21 and the lower accesscovers 43 and 43. The key 46 for controlling opening of covers 43 and43' must be in the locked position for removal and closing of cover 21and the covers 43 and 43 must also be latched closed for closing ofcover 21. Thus, cover 21 cannot be closed with covers 43 and 43'accidentally left open and accessible to the station operator.

The housing 18 provides a weatherproof enclosure for all of the controlassembly and readily permits controlled access to the station operatoras well as the main gasoline supplier.

The compartmented junction box 57 secured as a part of the enclosure 10provides complete separation of the high and low voltage circuits whilepreventing unauthorized tampering of the system without disclosure ofsuch tampering. This aspect of the invention is of substantialimportance in providing maximum safety in gasoline and similardispensing control systems. The interal construction of the housing 18and particularly the shielding of the terminal blocks 75 and 78 furthercontributes to maximum separation of the high and low voltage circuitand therefore safety of the total system. The heating unit 79 furtherinsures the operation of the various operating components in the systemin a very simple and reliable manner, which not only reduces maintenanceand service expenses but also maintains good customer relations.

In summary, the weatherproof enclosure of the present invention providesa highly satisfactory exterior mounting unit for a controlsystem havinghigh and low voltage circuit components and is particularly adapted forinterconnection of such a circuit in a system employing or controllingnon-explosive fluids or other products.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as beingwithin the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out anddistinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as theinvention.

I claim:

1. A control assembly for controlling operation of dispensing means fordispensing a plurality of explosive products and forming a part of aservice station and connected to high voltage power leads and lowvoltage signal leads,

an enclosure for mounting in an area of minimum hazard from explosionand having an outer releasably locked door,

a pair of control assemblies arranged in side-by-side relation withinthe enclosure, each including high voltage power components and lowvoltage signal components, a resettable code device and a spaced codeinput means for actuating a control means for connection to thedispensing means,

separate terminal block means, one for connecting high voltage powerleads to said high voltage power components and constituting a highvoltage terminal block means and one for connecting low voltage signalleads to said low voltage signal components and defining a signal leadterminal block means mounted within the enclosure,

junction box means permanently connected to form a part of the enclosureand including separate compart-ments aligned with the high voltageterminal block means and the signal lead terminal block means andincluding a common power lead compartment and individual signal leadcompartments for each product,

a plurality of releasably mounted covers separately overlying each codedevice and each input means,

a common latch mounted Within the enclosure and disposed in releasableholding engagement with the covers overlying the resettable code deviceand having an interlock arm forming a part of the latch and movabletherewith, and

a key actuated unit mounted within the enclosure and having alever witha standby position in the path of the interlock arm and movabletherefrom in response to actuation of the unit by a selected keytherefor, said unit being located adjacent the outer door to dispose thekey in the path of the outer door and thereby requiring removal of thekey prior to closure of the outer door.

2. The control assembly of claim 1 having a heating unit mountedcentrally of the two control assemblies and a control thermostat mountedto one side of the enclosure.

3. A control assembly for controlling operation of dispensing units andthe like for dispensing a plurality of explosive products and forming apart of a service station having an operating building spaced from thedispensing units, the improvement therein comprising:

an enclosure mounted in an area of minimum hazard from explosion, saidenclosures including a rectangular metal box open on one side and a maincover having side lips telescoped over the box and pivotally secured toan edge thereof,

a lock handle secured to the cover opposite the pivotal attachmentthereof and having a lock means carried by the handle and enclosure,

a recessed front panel secured Within the box parallel to and spacedfrom the cover, said panel having a plurality of laterally spacedopenings,

control assemblies mounted within the enclosure and having high voltagecomponents and low voltage sensing components and including supportingpanels corresponding to said laterally spaced openings and releasablymounted within the openings, said panels supporting a code input meansand a code control means in spaced relation,

a pair of separate access cover means for each assembly mounted withinthe housing between the main cover and the panels for providingcontrolled access to the code input means and the code control means,

key actuated means for the access cover for said code input means,

key actuated means for the access cover for said code control means,

an interlock mechanism disposed between the lastnamed key actuated meansand the access cover to prevent closing of the main cover withoutpositively closing the access covers,

a low voltage control lead terminal block secured to the back wall ofthe enclosure and being spaced rearwardly of the cover assemblies,

a protective cover plate releasably mounted to the back wall andoverlying said terminal block,

control leads from the control assemblies having exposed endsinterconnected to the terminal block and divided into two groups foreach assembly including a first group of sensing and safety circuitleads and a second group of sensing and safety circuit leads,

power leads from the control assemblies disposed forwardly of theprotective plate,

a junction box integrally carried by the lower Wall of the enclosure anda front cover releasably sealed to an open side of the junction box, and

partitions dividing the box into three laterally spaced compartmentshaving top and bottom lead openings, one end compartment constituting apower lead compartment and the other compartments each constitutingsensing and safety lead compartments, one for each product, with thepower leads and control leads extending solely into the respectivecompartments for connection into an external circuit.

4. The control assembly of claim 3 wherein said interlock mechanismincludes:

a rotatable latch member rotatably mounted by a shaft to the panel andextending laterally into latching engagement with the doors,

an arm secured to the inner end of the shaft and biased to a standbylatching position, and

the second-named key actuated means including an interlocking leverdisposed in the path of the arm and movable therefrom by the keyactuated means, said key actuated means further including a removablekey removable only in a lock position and projecting forwardly tointerfere with closing of the main cover.

5. An outdoor enclosure assembly for an electrical control systemincluding high voltage power circuits and low voltage control circuits,comprising:

a releasably sealed enclosure,

a junction box secured to form a part of the sealed enclosure and havingat least two separate compartments each having an opening communicatingwith the enclosure,

power components mounted within the enclosure and having power leadsconnected thereto, the leads forming a part of the power circuitextending solely through the opening from one compartment, and

control components mounted within the enclosure and having low voltagecontrol leads connected thereto, the leads forming a part of the controlcircuit and extending solely through the opening in the secondcompartment.

6. The outdoor enclosure assembly of claim 7, having a plurality oftemperature sensitive components mounted within the enclosure andconnected in said circuits,

a heating unit within the enclosure having power leads connected incircuit through the first of said compartments, and

a thermostat mounted to one side of the enclosure in laterally spacedrelation to the heating unit.

7. An outdoor enclosure assembly for an electrical control system forcontrolling dispensing of a pair of volatile liquids including highvoltage power circuits for pumping means, low voltage sensing circuitsfor sensing flow and low voltage safety circuits to insure continuity ofthe sensing circuit, comprising:

a releasably sealed enclosure,

a junction box integrally secured to the sealed enclosure and havingthree separated compartments, each hav: ing an opening communicatingwith the enclosure and a separate exterior incoming opening,

high voltage power leads forming a part of the power circuits extendingsolely through the openings in a first of said compartments, sensing andsafety circuit leads forming a part of the sensing and safety circuitsfor one liquid and extending solely through the openings in a second ofsaid compartments, and

sensing and safety circuit leads forming a part of the sensing andsafety circuit for the other liquid and extending solely through theopenings in a third of said compartments.

8. An outdoor assembly for an'electrical control system including highvoltage power circuits by an explosive proof circuit connection means,and low voltage control circuits connected to electrical componentswithin a highly explosive area within explosive means, comprising:

a releasably sealed enclosure for mounting in spaced relation to theexplosive area,

a junction box integrally secure-d to the sealed enclosure and having atleast two separated compartments each having an opening communicatingwith the enclosure,

high voltage leads forming a part of the power circuit extending fromthe enclosure solely through one compartment,

low voltage leads forming a part of the control circuit and extendingfrom the enclosure solely through the second compartment,

a terminal strip mounted in insulated relation within the enclosure andincluding connecting means for inter connection of said low voltageleads, and

a protective shield disposed over the terminal strip to prevent movementof the high voltage leads into engagement with the connecting means.

9. The outdoor enclosure assembly of claim 8, having said terminal stripand shield disposed to one side of the enclosure,

a power terminal strip disposed to the opposite side of the enclosure,and

a similar protective shield disposed thereover.

10. A control assembly in combination with dispensing units and the likeforming a part of a service station having an operating building spacedfrom the dispensing units, the improvement comprising:

an enclosure mounted in the area of minimum hazard from explosion, saidenclosure including an opening on one side and a main cover releasablyseated over the opening,

. a control lead terminal block secured to the back wall of theenclosure,

a protective platereleasably mounted to the back wall and overlying saidterminal block,

electrical components within the enclosure including low voltage controlmembers and high voltage operating members,

control leads from the control members having exposed endsinterconnected to input control leads at the terminal block, saidcontrol leads being divided into two groups for each assembly includingone group of safety circuit leads and a second group of sensing circuitleads,

power leads from the operating members disposed forwardly of theprotective plate,

a junction box integrally carried by the lower wall of the enclosure anda front cover releasably sealed to an open side of the junction box, and

partitions dividing the box into laterally spaced compartments havingtop and bottom lead openings and constituting separate high voltage andlow voltage compartments for connection to the respective input controllead and the power leads.

11. The improvement in the control assembly of claim fora plurality ofproducts, wherein:

ing units and the like forming a part of a service station having anoperating building spaced from the units,

dispensing an enclosure mounted in an area of minimum hazard fromexplosion, said enclosure including an outer front cover and lock handlefor releasable closing of the cover,

control assemblies mounted within the enclosure,

separate access cover means for each assembly mounted within theenclosure adjacent the front cover,

a control lead terminal block secured to the back wall of the enclosureand being spaced rearwardly of the access cover means,

a protective plate releasably mounted to the back wall and overlyingsaid terminal block,

low voltage control leads from the control assemblies having exposedends interconnected to the terminal block to said input control leads,

power leads from the control assemblies disposed forwardly of theprotective plate,

a junction box integrally carried by the lower wall of the enclosure anda front cover releasably sealed to an open side of the junction box, and

partitions dividing the box into laterally spaced compartments forreceiving and separately receiving the control leads and the power leadsto minimize the possible transfer of power voltages to said low voltageleads.

13. A control assembly in combination with dispensing units and the likeforming a part of a service station having an operating building spacedfrom the dispensing units, said improvement therein comprising:

an enclosure mounted in an area of minimum hazard from explosion, saidenclosure including a rectangular metal box open on one side and a maincover having side lips telescoped over the box and pivotally secured toan edge thereof,

a lock handle secured to the cover opposite the pivotal attachmentthereof and having a lock means carried by the handle and enclosure,

a recessed front panel secured within the box parallel to and spacedfrom the cover, said panel having a plurality of laterally spacedopenings,

control assemblies mounted within the enclosure and having high voltagecomponents and low voltage sensing componens and including supportingpanels corresponding to said laterally spaced openings and releasablymounted within the openings,

separate access cover means for each assembly mounted within the housingbetween the main cover and the panels,

a low voltage control lead terminal block secured to the 1 12 back wallof the enclosureand being spaced rearwardly of the cover assemblies,

a protective plate releasably mounted to the back wall and overlyingsaid terminal block,

control leads from the control assemblies having exposed endsinterconnected to the terminal block and divided into two groups foreach assembly including a first group of safety circuit leads and asecond group of sensing circuit leads,

power leads from the control assemblies disposed forwardly of theprotective plate,

a junction box integrally carried by the lower wall of the enclosure anda front cover releasably sealed to an open side or the junction box, and

partitions dividing the box into three laterally spaced compartmentshaving top and bottom lead openings, one end compartment constituting apower lead compartment and the other compartments constituting a safetylead compartment and a sensing lead compartment, respectively, the powerleads and input control leads extending solely into the respectivecompartments for connection into an external circuit.

14. The control assembly of claim 13 having:

a plurality of temperature sensitive components within the enclosure,

a heating unit centrally mounted within the enclosure,

a thermostat to control the operation of the heating unit to maintain aselected minimum temperature therein, and

leads for said heating unit connected through the power leadcompartment.

15. An outdoor enclosure for a coded control system having a pair ofsimilar control assemblies to be mounted in side-by-side relation withinthe enclosure and each assembly including a resettable code device and acode input means spaced therefrom,

a housing having means adapted to support the assemblies therein withthe code devices and input means accessible through a housing opening,

a main cover releasably secured to the housing to overlie the opening inspaced relation to the assemblies,

inner access covers releasably secured within the housing between theassemblies and the main cover and when open preventing closure of themain cover, a separate access cover being provided for overlying eachcode device and for each input means,

a common latch for the access covers overlying the code devices andhaving an inaccessible interlock arm movable therewith, and

a key lock unit having an interlock lever disposed in the path of thearm to prevent unlatching of the corresponding access covers and movableto an inoperative position with actuation of the lock unit, said keylock unit being operated by a selected key which is removable therefromin only the locked position, said lock unit being disposed to locate thekey in the position of the main cover'to prevent closing of the maincover until the key is removed.

in circuit References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,942,783 6/1960 Dyeret al 219-209 3,041,548 6/1962 Keen et al 219-210 3,122,681 2/1964 Pusch317- 3,170,091 2/1965 Hudson 317--120 X ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, PrimaryExaminer. W. C. GARVERT, H. O. JONES, Assistant Examiners.

1. A CONTROL ASSEMBLY FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF DISPENSING MEANS FORDISPENSING A PLURALITY OF EXPLOSIVE PRODUCTS AND FORMING A PART OF ASERVICE STATION AND CONNECTED TO HIGH VOLTAGE POWER LEADS AND LOWVOLTAGE SIGNAL LEADS, AN ENCLOSURE FOR MOUNTING IN AN AREA OF MINIMUMHAZARD FROM EXPLOSION AND HAVING AN OUTER RELEASABLY LOCKED DOOR, A PAIROF CONTROL ASSEMBLIES ARRANGED IN SIDE-BY-SIDE RELATION WITHIN THEENCLOSURE, EACH INCLUDING HIGH VOLTAGE POWER COMPONENTS AND LOW VOLTAGESIGNAL COMPONENTS, A RESETTABLE CODE DEVICE AND A SPACED CODE INPUTMEANS FOR ACTUATING A CONTROL MEANS FOR CONNECTION TO THE DISPENSINGMEANS, SEPARATE TERMINAL BLOCK MEANS, ONE FOR CONNECTING HIGH VOLTAGEPOWER LEADS TO SAID HIGH VOLTAGE POWER COMPONENTS AND CONSTITUTING AHIGH VOLTAGE TERMINAL BLOCK MEANS AND ONE FOR CONNECTING LOW VOLTAGESIGNAL LEADS TO SAID LOW VOLTAGE COMPONENTS AND DEFINING A SIGNAL LEADTERMINAL BLOCK MEANS MOUNTED WITHIN THE ENCLOSURE, JUNCTION BOX MEANSPERMANENTLY CONNECTED TO FORM A PART OF THE ENCLOSURE AND INCLUDINGSEPARATE COMPARTMENTS ALIGNED WITH THE HIGH VOLTAGE TERMINAL BLOCK MEANSAND THE SIGNAL LEAD TERMINAL BLOCK MEANS AND INCLUDING A COMMON POWERLEAD COMPARTMENT AND INDIVIDUAL SIGNAL LEAD COMPARTMENTS FOR EACHPRODUCT, A PLURALITY OF RELEASABLY MOUNTED COVERS SEPARATELY OVERLYINGEACH CODE DEVICE AND EACH INPUT MEANS, A COMMON LATCH MOUNTED WITHIN THEENCLOSURE AND DISPOSED IN RELEASABLE HOLDING ENGAGEMENT WITH THE COVERSOVERLYING THE RESETTABLE CODE DEVICE AND HAVING AN INTERLOCK ARM FORMINGA PART OF THE LATCH AND MOVABLE THEREWITH, AND A KEY ACTUATED UNITMOUNTED WITHIN THE ENCLOSURE AND HAVING A LEVER WITH A STANBY POSITIONIN THE PATH OF THE INTERLOCK ARM AND MOVABLE THEREFROM IN RESPONSE TOACTUATION OF THE UNIT BY A SELECTED KEY THEREFOR, SAID UNIT BEINGLOCATED ADJACENT THE OUTER DOOR TO DISPOSE THE KEY IN THE PATH OF THEOUTER DOOR AND THEREBY REQUIRING REMOVAL OF THE KEY PRIOR TO CLOSURE OFTHE OUTER DOOR.